GENEX is pleased to announce the publication of the fourth and final issue of its Newsletter, marking the successful conclusion of a 42 month Horizon Europe journey dedicated to advancing the digitalisation and sustainability of next generation aircraft composite structures. This special edition captures the energy and achievements of the project’s closing event, held across Zaragoza and Teruel Airport, where partners, industry experts, and researchers gathered to reflect on the project’s milestones and envision the future of aerospace innovation.
The issue highlights the dynamic two day programme hosted at the Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón (ITA), featuring keynote presentations, round table discussions, and live demonstrations centred on the digital transformation of aviation manufacturing and maintenance. Participants explored cutting edge developments in eco efficient production technologies, recyclable composite materials, and digital workflows that support more intelligent and sustainable aircraft operations. The event also showcased the work of sister EU funded initiatives—DEMOQUAS, TOSCA and DIDEAROT—reinforcing GENEX’s commitment to cross project collaboration and shared innovation.
A key focus of the newsletter is GENEX’s demonstration of digitalised composite repair technologies, including visual assisted scarfing, portable surface verification systems, advanced heating blanket design, and smart patch solutions that support damage detection and repair reliability. These advancements illustrate GENEX’s ambition to transform one of aerospace’s most demanding operational challenges through precision, efficiency, and enhanced safety.
The issue also offers an in depth look at the future of health monitoring ecosystems in aviation. Insights from experts at AERNNOVA, ITA, and Fraunhofer IFAM shed light on the evolving role of Structural Health Monitoring and the integration of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and data driven maintenance strategies. These technologies, showcased during the event and detailed throughout the newsletter, underline GENEX’s contribution to shaping more autonomous, predictive, and sustainable aircraft lifecycle management.
The second day of the closing event, held at Teruel Airport, invited attendees to explore real world applications of GENEX innovations through technical site visits and demonstrations. From manufacturing to monitoring, and from repair to full lifecycle digital integration, the activities reflected the project’s holistic approach to developing the next generation of aerospace composite solutions.
As GENEX reaches its final milestone, this last Newsletter stands as both a record of achievements and an invitation to continue the journey toward a more sustainable, efficient, and digitally empowered aerospace sector. With its pioneering combination of high performance simulation, advanced sensing networks, machine learning enabled diagnostics, and integrated digital frameworks, GENEX leaves a strong legacy and a clear vision for the future of composite aerostructures.
The full Newsletter is now available for download, here.